Southport 2-0 Macclesfield Town

A Silkmen side including more than a handful of fringe players and trialists were defeated 2-0 at Southport`s Haig Avenue. Former Chester and Mansfield man Scott McNiven was playing at right-back with an un-known Portuguese trialist on the left.

With trialists at both full back positions and a central defensive partnership of Teague and Brightwell, the blues failed to settle and were behind early on. A low cross from the right hand side was turned home by Liam Blakeman.

Not long afterwards, the un-known Portugese trialist at left back was beaten again for a high cross which was headed home by Mark Jackson.

The Silkmen did settle into their stride in the first half and John Miles was unfortunate to see his perfectly weighted ship over the ‘keeper headed off the line.

Half time saw three changes as Tommy Lee was replaced by Jonny Brain, Jimmy McNulty replaced the Portugese trialist and Marvin McDonald came on for Bully, with Colin Heath moving into midfield.

And McDonald had an excellent chance as he drilled a low shot off the foot of the post from outside the area before Jonny Brail palmed a powerful drive wide of the post.

The Silkmen did have the ball in the back of the net after a great exchange between Miles and McIntyre, but although Macca`s cross was bundled home by Robinson, who had come on for McNeil, it was flagged off.

Plus points from the game included the continuing form of Jimmy McNulty, John Miles in a midfield role and a great 90 minutes from Jordan Hadfield.